Bill Kurtz Photo
A record crowd rushed into the water Sunday for the 12th Annual Polar Plunge at Lighthouse Point Park on a balmy, 48-degree day.
The event, which takes place every year on Jan. 1, raised $7,500, which will go to the New Haven Land Trust and the Elm City Parks Conservancy.
About 250 people showed up to watch swim-suited participants brave the water, which was between 42 and 44 degrees, according to Chris Randall (at center in photo), executive director of the New Haven Land Trust.
The event is growing in popularity: a record 145 people registered as plungers this year, compared to 135 last year, which was itself a record, Randall said.
Bill Kurtz sent in these photos.
Carl Roehrich donned a Japanese mask as others warmed up in hot tubs.
What a great New Year tradition.
Going in for a plunge is so symbolic-
Death of the old year (the old you) and birth of the new year (your rebirth)
Water is a significant symbol of life, purity, and especially cleansing.
Hope to see 1,145 people plunge next year!